PF operation weakens yet another ally of Flávio Bolsonaro in RJ

The vulnerability of Canella's name, who appointed militiamen during his administration at Belford Roxo City Hall (RJ), was known in Flávio's campaign. His nomination was accepted as part of the alliance with União Brasil.

The party's national president, Antônio Rueda, is a pre-candidate for a seat in the Chamber of Deputies and counts on Canella's electoral base to be elected. He even participated in agendas alongside suspected links to the militia and who are part of the former mayor's political circle, now a target of the PF.

Canella was the target of the 6th phase of Operation Nail and Flesh, authorized by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the STF (Supreme Federal Court). He was arrested in the act for, according to the PF, keeping an irregular .556 caliber rifle in his car. The PF states that the suspicions involve the movement of more than R$7.6 billion in the last six years, according to a report by Coaf (Financial Activities Control Council), in an investigation into illegal direct hiring and money laundering, among other crimes.

Folha sent a message to Canella this Tuesday morning, but received no response.

The conversations hours after the PF operation did not define a direction, but they exposed yet another weakness in Flávio's platform in Rio.

The son of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) has already seen former governor Cláudio Castro (PL) abandon his pre-candidacy for the Senate after being the target of two PF operations, under suspicion of links with businessman Ricardo Magro and former banker Daniel Vorcaro.

The pre-candidate for the Government of Rio, deputy Douglas Ruas (PL), had his plan to take over the Guanabara Palace frustrated after the STF determined that judge Ricardo Couto would remain in office. The magistrate's role has been explored by President Lula (PT) as a counterpoint to Flávio in the state.

The fact that Canella was not arrested preventively meant that the pre-candidacy could survive, despite the wear and tear. The arrest in the act for illegal possession of a rifle had not yet been evaluated. Maintaining the secrecy of the files, with the evidence used by the PF, also contributes to caution in rejecting the former mayor's postulation.

One of the options discussed is the possible replacement of Canella by Felipe Curi (PP), former Civil Police secretary who gained notoriety after commanding Operation Containment, in which 122 people died (including 5 police officers).

Curi's option comes up against the resistance of the PP from Rio de Janeiro in giving up a potential vote-getter for the Chamber of Deputies, a position for which he is a pre-candidate.

Another option would be to use the vacancy to try to expand the alliance around Ruas. The Republicans are negotiating to support him and may include deputy Marcelo Crivella as a name to make up the ticket.

The debate over Canella's name occurs at a time when the PL has not yet defined a replacement for Castro.

Senator Carlos Portinho (PL) has been gaining support within the party and allied parties. However, Flávio assesses that the name of deputy Carlos Jordy (PL) has greater acceptance within the Bolsonarist base.

Representative Sóstenes Cavalcantes (PL), leader of the PL in the Chamber, was even debated as an option. The fact that he was the target of a new PF operation, however, reduced the chances of his choice.

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